Iain B.

Advisor to Early Stage Companies
Happy to mentor
Happy to be contacted

About me

Iain B.
Computer Science
Computer Science & Mathematics
Undergraduate
Vanbrugh
2004
United Kingdom

My employment

Advisor to Early Stage Companies
IMDC (small consultancy)
United Kingdom
Finance and consultancy
Small business (0-49 employees)
2021

Like this profile?

Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.

A day in the life of a Advisor to Early Stage Companies in the United Kingdom

Briefly describe the organisation you work for

Myself and my business partner run a consulting firm working with a range of businesses from start-ups to SMEs to the worlds largest airlines. We also make small, targeted investments in businesses where we can add strategic and operational value.

What do you do?

Having spent 20 years in Management Consultancy and Industry roles, I now advise early stage and small technology businesses on strategy, growth and finance, including fundraising

Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?

Having worked for 20 years in large businesses, I decided to share that experience with younger companies, as well as getting hands on in the management and operations of these companies

Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?

Yes – I assumed I would be a software engineer

Describe your most memorable day at work

My best days at work are when you work with a globally distributed team and you have the opportunity to meet face to face – it makes the majority of days working remotely across time zones much easier

Are there any challenges associated with your job?

Many – working with small businesses you need to be able to take a big picture view, but also be hands on in all the details of operating the business. Many different decisions from commercial to HR have to be taken on a daily basis

What’s your work environment and culture like?

Working with many different businesses, usually with the founders, we develop very personal relationships with high levels of trust.

What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?

I was part of the basketball team, taking the roles of both President and Captain during that time. Invaluable experience of being part of a team and needing to develop leadership skills.

What would you like to do next with your career?

I would like to do more investing, as well as advising the early stage businesses

What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?

Keep an open mind and don't rush into any decisions on your first role or career direction.

What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?

Taking decisions on career, working with early stage businesses, running your own business, the difference between consulting and industry roles – I have broad experience to share

Next steps...

If you like the look of Iain’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Iain a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Iain to be your mentor.

Related profiles

Peter H.
Chief Technology Officer
Florin Court Technologies
Computer Science
2000
Freya P.
Accountant (ACCA Qualified)
Local practice, previously worked at Azets & HW Fisher
Music
2017
michael k.
Senior Partner (retired)
An accountancy practice
Biology
1973
Thomas C.
Sales Transformation Consultant
Management consultancy
Computer Science
1997